Miami is third in the top 10 "NEW: College Football Teams facing the most pivotal seasons in 2025" by Ari Wasserman of On3. Oklahoma who is first and Alabama ranked second are the only programs on the list by Wasserman that are listed as facing more pivotal 2025 seasons.
Oklahoma finished 6-7 for the second time in three years and Alabama was 9-4 for its worst season since they were 7-6 in its first season under Nick Saban in 2007. Miami finished 10-3, lost three of its final four games and missed the College Football Playoff despite being first nationally in scoring and total offense.
After going 12-13 in his first two seasons, Mario Cristobal was able to lead a big turnaround in year three. Following their 9-0 start, the season turned out as a disappointment after Miami was trending to make the College Football Playoff for most of the 2024 season.
Wasserman posted his list of teams facing pivotal seasons a week ago. During his podcast with colleague Andy Staples on Monday, they discussed the expectations for Carson Beck replacing Cam Ward, the rebuilt Miami defense and more specifically the Hurricanes' secondary.
NEW: College Football Teams facing the most pivotal seasons in 2025 via @AriWasserman😳
— On3 (@On3sports) March 6, 2025
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Miami has rebuilt its secondary adding four of the top 15 cornerbacks and 2024 Freshman All-American safety Zechariah Poyser. C.J. Daniels provides Beck and Miami with an experienced wide receiver at an otherwise young and mostly unproven position for the Hurricanes entering 2025.
Expect Miami to add another transfer WR in the spring portal between April 16-25. Depth on the defensive line and safety are other positions to watch in the spring transfer portal for Miami. Cristobal needs to build on the 2025 season and probably make the college football playoff to continue the next step for the program.
The rebuilt defense should allow Miami to be more balanced in 2024. New defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman is part of an almost completely rebuilt coaching staff on defense for Miami in 2025. Pro Football Hall of Fame edge rusher Jason Taylor is the only returning defensive coach for Miami in 2025 working with the defensive linemen.